At around 07:00 hrs on 2 May 2021, two road rail vehicles (RRV) collided at Ramsden Bellhouse, while travelling in a worksite between Billericay and Wickford stations in Essex.
The RRVs had been used to replace overhead electrification equipment and were on the same line, travelling towards Wickford at the end of a night shift. The leading RRV was a Mobile Elevated Working Platform (MEWP) and this was being followed by a long reach mobile crane. The two people travelling in the MEWP basket were injured, one seriously.
RAIB's preliminary examination found no evidence of a fault in either of the machines. Our investigation will determine the sequence of events that led to the accident and include consideration of:
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the processes for ensuring that vehicles travel safely within worksites;
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the processes that govern the hours trackworkers are on duty, the identification of fatigue and how rest periods are managed;
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and any relevant underlying factors.
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry's regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.
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